Two Humpback Whales Approach Sanctuary in Heavy Swells

Our morning run aboard Sanctuary faced challenging conditions, with a northwest wind blowing at 15.6 knots and a large, rolling swell. Despite the choppy seas, we were treated to a remarkable encounter with two humpback whales. One of these individuals—a massive animal with a fluke spanning nearly the width of our vessel—twice swam directly beneath the boat, hanging just below the surface in clear view.

Seeing a humpback of this size at such close range offers a rare perspective on their immense scale. When an animal passes directly under the hull, the water refraction highlights the white patterning on the underside of its fluke. This behavior is a demonstration of the species' natural curiosity, as they occasionally choose to investigate stationary vessels in their feeding grounds.

The heavy swell made for a shorter, more challenging trip than usual, which is common during the windy first week of June. In addition to the whales, we observed twenty-five California sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters navigating the choppy surface closer to the harbor.

Operating in these rougher spring conditions reminds us that the bay is a dynamic, wild environment. Even when the weather limits our transit, the richness of these waters ensures that profound wildlife encounters remain possible.